Letter from Kiev
Six women from Ukraine visited the Washington area last March for a week-long program sponsored by Rotary and the U.S. Congressional Office for International Leadership. The women represented nonprofit organizations that aid their communities, especially those Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion of their country.
The Washington Rotary Club hosted the group and has since raised funds to support their efforts, including a potato planter and harvester to help with scarce food supplies; furnishings and repairing a community center that had been destroyed by bombing; and providing medical equipment for children with disabilities.
Valentyna Uvarova, who received money to purchase supplies and equipment to provide art therapy for children and their parents, contacted local Rotarians last week to thank them and provide recent details and photos of her organization’s work. Communication has been difficult lately because most Ukrainians are now without electricity for all but an hour or two each day, if that.
Following is an excerpt from her e-mail message:
“The situation in Kyiv is currently critical, where most of our families live. Over the past two weeks, with Rotary’s support, we have been purchasing essential items: gas stoves, power banks, and electric blankets for those whose apartments are extremely cold. I am especially grateful that the Kyiv Rotary Club also joined in, providing additional power banks and stoves.
“This weekend we will distribute the aid to families and make home visits for those who cannot come in person. … For now, here are some pictures from visits that have already taken place – shared with the families’ permission.
“Your support helps us save and improve the lives of these families, especially in such difficult times. It is hard for us, and I pray that my team has the strength and resources to continue this work. But we believe in victory and peace! As the saying goes, even in the darkness, there is always light in our homes. And that light is goodness.”